How to Write to Congress

So if your senator or congressperson takes the wrong position on an issue, or worse, actually decides to vote like they don't have a lick of sense, the usual course of action is to write them a nice letter and politely voice your opinion about their performance.  About.com offers some tips to make your letter more effective:

1.       Be courteous and respectful without "gushing."

2.       Clearly and simply state the purpose of your letter. If it's about a certain bill, identify it correctly. If you need help in finding the number of a bill, use the Thomas Legislative Information System.

3.       Say who you are. Anonymous letters go nowhere. Even in email, include your correct name, address, phone number and email address. If you don't include at least your name and address, you will not get a response.

4.       State any professional credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those pertaining to the subject of your letter.

5.       Keep your letter short -- one page is best.

6.       Use specific examples or evidence to support your position.

7.       State what it is you want done or recommend a course of action.

8.       Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter.

Yeah, you could do all that... but we say that when your so-called public servant screws up, it's a whole lot faster and more to the point to just send them this:

Nothing says "don't make me send you back to your district for good" like a Hallmark card (or a card from whimsypress.com).

Now, of course, we're kidding.  Write the nice letter.